FILM: “OBEY THE GIANT”: THE EARLY YEARS OF SHEPARD FAIREY

Starting today, director Julian Marshall's dramatic film about the rise of Shepard Fairey, "Obey The Giant" can be viewed in its entirety online for free. Based on the true story of Shepard Fairey’s formative years at the Rhode Island School of Design where he first conceived the Andre The Giant visual meme, and his first act of street art, "Obey The Giant" tells the story of a young skate punk challenging a big-city mayor and the powers-that-be at art school.

Frustrated by his inability to gain respect within the confines of art school Shepard sets out to gain notoriety and acclaim by targeting the most powerful man in Providence, former Mayor Buddy Cianci. Risking expulsion and jail time Shepard plasters Andre the Giant’s face over the image of Cianci on a campaign billboard. As word of Shepard’s prank gets out, Shepard learns that art is a weapon and attention is both a blessing and a curse.